Vat Purnima

Outside Lord Shiva’s temple, under the shades of a Banyan tree, were a few women, decked up in beautiful red sarees, dazzling jewellery and puja thalis in their hands. Some settled around and started sprinkling red powder (kumkum) on the trunks of the tree, lit a diya, offered flowers, rice and water to it. Then they tied one side of a cotton thread on the trunk and started circling around the tree with the thread. Once they were done circling the tree seven times, they tied the loose end of the thread to the tree, joined their hands and paid their homage. Far across the road, little Tanya was sitting on a bench with her granny, watching this bizarre vista. Her curiosity couldn’t resist the question popping in her head and she finally asked her granny, “What are those aunties doing dadi?” A wide smile spread across the face of granny and she said, “It’s Vat Purnima beta, so all these aunties are praying”. But the puzzled look on Tanya’s face was soon understood by her and off she went, “Let me tell you a story”.

“Once upon a time, there was a princess named Savitri, who married to a prince named Satyavan. It was predicted that Satyavan would not live for long. One day while he was resting on Savitri’s lap under a Banyan tree, he passed away. Men from Yamlok came to take Satyavan’s soul along with them, but Savitri refused to part with her husband. After countless efforts from different messengers of yamas, which all failed, Yamaraj himself came down to take the soul of Satyavan. However, adamant Savitri refused to give in. In lieu, Yamaraj gave her a boon, for which she requested for her in-laws wellbeing which was instantly granted. Savitri still followed Yamaraj when he was taking her husband’s soul. So he gave her another boon, for which she requested for her parents’ wellbeing which was also granted. Adamant Savitri however didn’t stop and continued to follow till they approached the gates of Yamlok. The great Yamaraj stopped her and gave her another boon, for which she asked for a son. And it was granted as well. It was then that Savitri reasoned with Yamaraj that how she could have a son without her husband. Puzzled and impressed, Yamaraj had to return Satyavan’s soul to Savitri. It is from that day onwards that she is regarded as Sati Savitri. Today is that day. Like Savitri brought her husband back, these all aunties are praying for the wellbeing and long life of their husbands”

Tanya’s curiosity was put to rest with this legendary tale that we all are familiar with. Banyan Tree in Hinduism is a symbolic depiction of Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva; the root being Brahma, Stem being Vishnu and Upper portion being Shiva. The entire tree is depicted as a symbol of Savitri.  It is believed that offering prayers to Banyan (Vat) tree on Purnima of Jyestha month of Hindu calendar brings prosperity and long life for husband and family. Also the fact that Banyan tree has a long life adds great significance to this.

Let’s look at the other angle. During one of his orations, a famous astrology teacher and the HOD of computer science at an engineering college, Mr. Prabhod Vekhede described Vat Purnima celebration to be more logical. Accordingly to him, because of the foreign invasions and dominance of planet rahu, the death toll of spouses had gone up in North India. As a result, women started worshipping & fasting for their husband’s wellbeing on Amavasya day. It gradually percolated in the other parts of the nation. 15 days after the north observes this celebration, the southern parts of India, which include Maharashtra and Gujarat celebrates Vat Purnima. Women observe fast on this day which goes on till next day morning. Another important aspect to be considered is that women being the centre of the Hindu families, following such rituals by them keeps the family bonded. No matter what logic is applied, Vat Purnima is and will remain a matter of faith for all Hindu women in India.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/vat-purnima

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The Story behind Shiva Linga

Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, is one of the supreme gods in the Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh. Unlike other gods, whose temples house their idols for worship, Shiva temple houses his representation – Shiva Linga. The word linga in Sanskrit means the mark, symbol or emblem; hence Shiva Linga literally means the symbol of Shiva.

The appearance of Shiva Linga epitomizes symbols of the transformational energy of yin and yang. At the very top is a cylindrical round structure which is often compared with the erect male reproductive organ, which resides on top of a circular structure at the base which signifies a yoni. These are the symbols of male and female creative energies which together is said to have created the Brahmand – the whole universe. It represents the energy in indivisible space and time, having no beginning and no end, from which everything is said to have been born.

The oldest mention of anything similar to Shiva Linga is found in Arthrvaveda. A hymn in the Veda praises a yupa sthambh – a sacrificial post, which seems to have no beginning or an end – resembling the eternal universe. Once the yagna (sacrifice) was over, its ashes, smoke along with the ox that carried the wood for sacrificial fire flames transformed into the brightness of Shiva’s body riding on the bull. Hence the Yupa sthambh eventually has been replaced by Shiva-Linga.

There is also another story mentioned in Shiva Purana. Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got into an argument over who is superior. Both gods fought in vain trying to prove their supremacy over other. When the intensity of the battle grew, other gods approached Lord Shiva asking him to arbitrate. Lord Shiva assumed the form of a blazing fire pillar which appeared in front of them. He challenged both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find the beginning and an end of the pillar. Arbitrarily both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu decided to find each end. Hence Lord Brahma went to skies looking for a beginning and Lord Vishnu went to the underworld trying to look for an end but both were disappointed not to find it. Exhausted in his journey, Lord Brahma met Ketaki (a flower) and made her his ally in the false claim that he had indeed found a beginning. When he returned and declared this false claim, the fire pillar split open and Lord Shiva stepped out in his magnificence. Humbled with this vision both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu accepted Lord Shiva’s supremacy. Angry at Lord Brahma for lying, he cursed him that no one will worship him, hence there are barely any temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. He cursed Ketaki too, rendering her unfit to be used in puja. The eternal fire pillar is symbolised with the conical oval shape of Shiva Linga as a formless universe bearer which radiates with all the celestial energy and provides focus for meditation.

It is believed that Shiva manifested himself in the form of Shiva Linga on the fourteenth day of Krishna paksha (dark side of the moon) in the Phalgun month as per Hindu calendar. This auspicious day is also celebrated as Mahashivratri by Hindus. Devotees offer prayers along with bel-patra and abhishek of milk to Shiva-Linga for happiness and prosperity.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/the-story-behind-shiva-linga

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Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of the Shukla paksha (waxing moon) in the month of Jyestha as per Hindu calendar. Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of both the waxing and the waning moon, hence there are in all twenty four Ekadashis in the entire year, when people observe fast. However the word ‘Nirjala’ translates to ‘no water’, hence many people fast on this day without having food or water. Observing fast on Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to be equivalent of observing fast on all of twenty four Ekadashis. The fast is observed by staunch followers of Lord Vishnu. It is said to be the toughest fast to undertake as it falls during one of the hottest of summer months.

The day is also known as Bheem Ekadasi – named after one of the pandavas and the second son of Kunti – Bheem, or even Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. As per Brahma Vaivarta Purana, all pandavas – Yudhistir, Arjun, Nakul, Sahdev, their mother Kunti and their wife Draupadi would fast on all the Ekadashis without fail. Bheem, however being an avid food lover was not able to do so and hence felt guilty. Not wanting to dishonour Lord Vishnu, he approached Maharishi Vyas in nearby asharam, seeking a solution. The sage advised Bheem to observe the fast on Nirjala Ekadashi, where he would need to observe a strict fast without having even water and it would reap the same benefits as he would by observing all the Ekadashis. It is also believed that devotees who observe the fast on Nirjala Ekadashi will be met by Lord Vishnu’s messenger at his abode – Vaikunta after their death instead of Yamraj.

Some people who are not able to fast the entire day have one meal in the evening after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. However grains and beans are not allowed. This is extremely tough to follow as the Parana (breaking of the fast) is done only upon sunrise the following day.

People visit temples of Lord Vishnu on this day. Few people also offer puja to Lord Vishnu at their homes. On the day of fast, the idol of Lord Vishnu is bathed with panchamruta abhishek. He is bathed again with holy water and dressed in decorated clothes and garlands. Flowers and incense are offered with Aarti. Devotees meditate and pray to Lord Vishnu seeking his grace and blessings. It is considered both pious and auspicious to donate food and other items to the needy on Nirjala Ekadashi. Food grains, umbrella, pitcher filled with water etc are also donated to Brahmins on this day. Sleeping during the day is not allowed and observing night vigil is recommended however not compulsory. Hence on this day, many people are found to be coming together and performing jagratas by singing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The entire day of Nirjala Ekadashi is spent observing rigorous penance by devoting themselves to Lord Vishnu and seeking his blessings for a harmonious and prosperous life.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/nirjala-ekadashi

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Ganga Dussera

Ganga is considered the holiest river by Hindus and bears a religious and spiritual significance in their lives. Ganga Dussera is celebrated on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha (the bright side of the moon) of the Jyestha month as per the Hindu calendar.

This day is also known as Ganga Avataran. In Sanskrit, Avataran translates to arrival or a descent, hence the name Ganga Avataran means the arrival of Ganga.  It marks the day when Ganga descended on earth from heaven, before which she is believed to have resided in Lord Brahma’s stoup. Once a Suryavanshi King – Bhagirath, offered penance to Lord Shiva to rid his ancestors of a curse and free their souls. Lord Shiva, pleased with King Bhagirath’s worship allowed him to bring Ganga on earth, carrying the purity of heaven with her and washing away the sins of his ancestors. The day bears a unique combination of ten distinct astrological vedic calculations, which are Jyestha month, shukla paksha, tenth day, Wednesday, hastha nakshatra, Moon in Virgo, Vyatipat yog, Gar Anand yog, and Sun in Taurus.

Ganga Dussera is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the religious cities and towns near the mighty River Ganga – especially Allahabad, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi. The puja celebration at Varanasi is the grandest and is said to be spiritually liberating with culmination of the celebration with Ganga Aarti at the Dasawamedh Ghat. For those who are away from the places near ghats can offer puja at home as well. The idol of Goddess Ganga is bathed with holy water, dressed in white clothes and adorned with a lotus. On this day people also worship King Bhagirath, since he brought Goddess Ganga down on earth and Lord Shiva, as he tied her with his hair to control her stream and avoid havoc on earth. People chant mantras to invoke her and pray with complete devotion and faith. The mantras are chanted in counts of ten. After the puja, devotees donate food items among those who are needy. As per Skand purana, it is recommended that the donations are also made in the counts of ten i.e. ten fruits or ten kilos of rice and so on. The donation of black sesame seeds are believed to bring positive results for bringing moksha for the ancestors.

Source:https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/ganga-dussera

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BodhGaya – Place of Enlightenment

Away from worldly pleasures, a man seeking spiritual enlightenment and inner peace can wander to the end of world to achieve it. Bodh Gaya is the scared pilgrim place associated with Mahabodhi Temple in the district of Gaya in Indian state of Bihar. It is here that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under what came to be famous as Bodhi Tree. Bodh literally means ‘knowledge’ and ‘awakening’. Hence MahaBodhi Temple translates to the ‘Great Awakening Temple’. The temple is about 110 kms from Patna and the temple complex houses a polished sandstone throne and the holy Bodhi tree. The tree was planted as a sapling from a Maha Bodhi tree in Srilanka, which itself was planted as a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree.

Mahabodhi Temple is the holiest of places situated near the banks of river Niranjana, where millions of Buddhist disciples and faith followers visit each year. Emperor Ashoka built the first temple around 260 BC completely developed by bricks standing tall. The temple was ruined during 13th century AD since it wasn’t used during Delhi Sultanate,  however in 19th century, the Burmese kings made few repairs which were further continued in British Raaj during 1880-84. The present day Mahabodhi Temple has 50m high grand temple, the polished sandstone – Diamond throne, six sacred stupas marking the sites where Buddha wandered in his state of enlightment and a sacred lotus pond outside the temple enclosure in south.

Gautam Buddha was born in Nepal in 563 BC on the auspicious day of Baisakhi Poornima. Born as a prince as Siddhartha, he soon grew wary and sad of worldly sufferings. He left the kingdom at a young age of 29 and wandered to places in search of the truth and meaning of life. He followed others preaching, offered penance. However his mind remained ever seeking and ever hungry in search of the truth. He finally abandoned rigorous abstinence breaking his fast by accepting honey and milk from a young woman and sat down under the peepal tree (later came to be known as Bodhi tree) vowing not to move till he finds the knowledge he seeks.

In all, Buddha spent seven weeks in different spots practising meditation. During the first week Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree. During second week, he remained standing and staring at the Bodhi tree uninterrupted. This place is marked as Animeschlocha stupa – the unblinking shrine. On the third week, Buddha is believed to have paced back and forth between Animeschlocha stupa and Bodhi tree and the lotus flowers sprung under his feet as he walked away. The place is marked with six lotus flowers in the temple today and is called ‘The Jewel Walk’ or ‘Ratnachakarma’. Buddha spent the fourth week at Ratnagar Chaitya on north-east side of the Bodhi tree. The fifth week was spent concentrating under Ajapala Nigodh tree where a pillar stands today. He spent the sixth week contemplating near the Lotus pond and the seventh week meditating under the Rajyatna tree. Buddha finally attained the spiritual enlightenment and Nirvana after 49 days of continued meditation.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/bodh-gaya-place-of-enlightenment

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Shani Jayanti

Shani Jayanti is celebrated as Lord Shani’s birthday on the Amavaysa day (No moon day) during Vaishaka month. Shanidev is worshipped as one of the Navgrahas - celestial planet bodies. He is the ruler of the planet Saturn, which has heavy influence on people and is often revered for protection against evil and removal of all doshas and ill effects of the planet in the person’s horoscope.

Lord Shani was born as a son of Lord Surya and Devi Sadnya. Together they had three children – Vaivasthava, Lord Yamraj and a daughter Yamuna devi. However the legend says that Devi Sadnya wanted to leave Lord Surya and offer penance as she was unable to bear the harsh glare of his halo anymore. Fearing that this may anger Lord Surya, Devi Sadnya created a being with her own reflection and named her Chaya. She made her promise to not disclose this secret to anyone and continue performing duties to her husband and children as a devoted wife and a mother. Meanwhile Devi Sadnya went to her father Daksha, who grew angry upon learning his daughter’s deed and asked her to return to her husband immediately. However she went to Himalaya for penance. Meanwhile Chaya gave birth to three more children – Manu, Lord Shani and a Putri named Bhadra. Hence Lord Shani is also revered as Chayaputra among other names. It is said that when Lord Shani was in the womb of Chaya, she was offering rigorous penance to Lord Shiva and was so engrossed that she did not care to touch food or bothered to cover herself from the blazing sun. As a result Lord Shani bears a dark complexion and is also an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva himself.

When Lord Shani was growing up, Chaya once asked him to wait for food as it had to be first offered to gods. Furious Shani kicked his mother, upon which Chaya cursed him that he would have a broken leg. Because of this curse he bears a limp leg. This peculiar characteristic also reflects in one of the saying – Shani Kramati Saha - meaning one who moves slowly. The planet Saturn takes 30 years to revolve around the sun. In vedic astrology, the planetary placements are rendered more importance for any success or failure in life. It is often believed that the miseries and suffering in life are caused as a result of Lord Shani’s displeasure towards oneself and the person may be suffering from Saade-Saati, leading to hindrances in growth, peace and happiness. It occurs when Saturn – the ruling planet of Lord Shani, passes over the birth moon, the twelfth house or second house from it. Since Saturn spends about two and a half years in each house the total ill-effected period is about seven and half years. Various pujas and remedies can be offered which can bring respite and relief from the ill-effects. Lord Shani is also believed to bring good luck in a gradual manner with hard work, discipline and perseverance.

Worship to Lord Shani is done with utmost reverence and faith. Fasting on Shani Jayanti assure their devotees protection against evil and removes obstacles from a person’s life. People visit Shanidev temple offering puja, sesame seeds, black clothes and Telabhishek to Lord Shani. They pray for his blessings and removal of all problems from personal and professional life. 

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/shani-jayanti

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Apara Ekadasi

In Sanskrit, Ekadashi translates to ‘Eleventh day’. Apara Ekadashi marks the eleventh day in the Krishna paksha (dark side of the moon) of the Jyestha month. Fasting on Apara Ekadashi is considered auspicious by Hindus all around the world, as it is believed to help in attaining moksha by washing off all the past sins and misdoings. Observing this fast is also believed to bring fame to the observer. This day is known by many names across India such as Achala Ekadashi, Badhrakali Ekadashi - called in Northern India, Vaishaka Vadi Ekadashi and Jalkrida Ekadashi in Orissa. However the day is recognised as Apara Ekadashi in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is celebrated with much gusto by people observing fast.

There are many legends that tell the story of Apara Ekadashi. Once, during treta yug, there was a king named Bali who had drawn immense victories in battles. Accordingly, he was conferred with the befitting title ‘Chakravarty Samrat’. However inebriated with all this power, he grew more and more arrogant. He attacked Lord Indra, forcing him to run and abandon heaven. Lord Indra approached Lord Vishnu pleading for help. Lord Vishnu then took the avataar of Lord Vamana and went to King Bali in disguise of a short Brahmin and requested for three paces of lands. As against the warning of Sukracharya, his guru, Bali agreed. Lord Vamana then enlarged his feet to gigantic proportions and took heaven and earth in his first step; in his second step, the netherworld was taken. For his third step then, Bali offered his head. Even today, lord Vishnu is recognised and prayed in his avataar of Lord Vamana, who is also known as Lord Trivikrama.

As per another legend, once during their exile years, King Yudhistira was deeply troubled and was pondering over the things they had to face – not only losing their titles and riches in a game, but also facing grave humiliation beyond words. Yudhistira seeked guidance from Lord Krishna who narrated the benefits of observing fast on Apara Ekadashi – that it not only frees you from the consequences of your past misdoings by providing moksha to your soul, but also brings unfathomable fame and riches.

This day is celebrated by Hindus who believe in reincarnation of souls and karma. People observe fast during Apara Ekadashi offering puja and yagna. They also visit temples of Lord Vishnu, praying to him for forgiveness of their misdeeds and seek his blessings for a glorious future. The fasting ritual is strictly observed by avoiding grains and beans on that day and consuming only milk and fruits. People can opt to either consume one meal or choose to have nothing to eat that day, including even water. Parana (breaking of the fast) is done only the next day after sunrise. It is advised that people who are married observe the fast only on Apara Ekadashi; however sanyasis, widows and others who seek moksha should also fast on the following day. According to puranas, observing the fast on Apara Ekadashi bring benefits to people equivalent of performing religious, spiritual or good humane acts including taking ritual baths in sacred river Ganga or Prayag, offering puja for ancestors at Gaya and so on. It is believed to be the most loyal way of revering Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings and love.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/apara-ekadashi

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